1997 Ford Escort Owners Manual

The driver’s side safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition key is turned to ON...

AIR BAG PRECAUTIONS Your vehicle is equipped with an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) designed to work with the safety belts to help protect you and your right front seat passenger in the event of a collision.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the

driver, should always wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided.

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Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag SRS or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

AIR BAG SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The air bags and their corresponding warning and information labels are found in the following locations: The air bag system activates in collisions more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of similar size and weight) head-on at approximately 20 km/h (13 mph). This activation speed may vary if your vehicle is involved in a collision with something that will move or deform and according to the angle of impact. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts. Air bags and air bag equipped vehicles should be disposed of only by qualified service personnel using Ford approved procedures. The system consists of two parts:

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MIRROR

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O F FM I S T I N T

RSM

SET ACC

CST

AM(cid:13) FM

SCAN

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SEEK(cid:13) TUNE

TUNE(cid:13) DISCS(cid:13)

VOL–(cid:13) PUSH ON

TAPE(cid:13) CD

REW

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FADE

1(cid:13)

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(cid:13) Seating and safety restraints † The driver air bag in the middle

of the steering wheel and the passenger air bag above the glove compartment.

† The electrical system, made up of impact sensors, a diagnostic module, and a backup power supply.

The air bags inflate within a fraction of a second after air bag sensors detect a severe frontal collision. Gas generators within the air bags fill the air bags with a non-toxic, non-flammable gas. After the vehicle occupants have impacted the air bags, the gas empties through holes in the air bags and the air bags deflate. You may notice smoke and smell the escaping gas after the air bags deflate. This is normal. You and your passenger must wear your safety belts in order for the air bag system to operate effectively.

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND WARNING CHIME When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the air bag system performs a self-check of the: † air bag sensors † air bag module † air bag inflators † available battery power † air bag warning light Following a successful system self-check, the

warning light

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in the instrument cluster illuminates for approximately six seconds to indicate that the system is functional. If you hear a group of five beeps, or if the not illuminate, stays lit, or flashes, the air bag system requires immediate service. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.

warning light does

CHILD RESTRAINT PRECAUTIONS You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the United States and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four years of age or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lb] or less), you must put them in safety seats made specially for children. Check your local and state laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of your children.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap

while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use. If possible, place children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in rear seating positions than when

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they are restrained in front seating positions.

Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in

the front seat.

CHILDREN AND SAFETY BELTS Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by the manufacturer of your child safety seat) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help to provide a good shoulder belt fit. To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A

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belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to dicuss the specific needs of your child with your pediatrician.

CHILDREN AND INFANT OR CHILD SAFETY SEATS

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

buckle for that seating position.

When installing a child safety seat: † use the correct safety belt † make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. † keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.

† place seatbacks in the upright

position.

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Seating and safety restraints † put the safety belt in the

automatic locking mode. Refer to Using the automatic locking mode in this chapter.

Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions 1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt. If you choose to install a child safety seat in the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible.

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

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3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted. 6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode.

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7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down on the child seat to tighten the belt as much as possible. 8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side and forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine. † Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

Installing child safety seats in the rear center seating position 1. Tip the tongue and pull to lengthen the lap belt. 2. Place the child safety seat in the center seating position. 3. Route the lap belt through the child safety seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

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4. Insert the tongue into the proper buckle. 5. Push down on the child safety seat while pulling on the loose part of the lap belt webbing to tighten the belt. 6. Before placing the child in the child safety seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side and forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. If the child seat moves excessively, repeat steps five and six or properly install the child seat in a different seating position. Usingatetherstrap Contact the manufacturer of your safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap if one is not provided with the seat. The tether anchor hardware kit is part number 613D20. Your vehicle has tether anchor attachment locations on the rear package tray behind the back seat (sedan) or along the rear edge of the roof (wagon). Carefully follow the instructions provided with the kit.

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Tetheranchorhardware (Canadianvehiclesonly) All vehicles built for sale in Canada include a tether anchor hardware kit for use with Canadian child safety seats. Attachment holes (at each rear seating position) have been provided in your vehicle to attach the anchor hardware, if required. Additional kits can be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Tetheranchorhardware(US vehiclesonly) Vehicles built for sale in the US do not include a tether anchor hardware kit for use with child safety seats. However, attachment holes (at each rear seating position) have been provided in your vehicle to attach the anchor hardware, if required. Kits can be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Only use the tether attachment hole locations shown. The tether anchor may not perform properly if the wrong mounting location is used.

Ford recommends using child safety seats with a top tether strap designed to secure an aftermarket child safety seat in the front or rear seating position. Follow the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions for installing a child safety seat with a tether strap.

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Ford recommends you attach tethered safety seats in a rear seating position with the tether strap attached to the tether anchoring bracket as shown in the instructions provided with the tether anchor kit. If a tethered seat must be installed in the front passenger seat: 1. Install the child safety seat in the front passenger seat. For instructions on how to install the seat, refer to Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions in this chapter. 2. Hook the tether strap clip to the tongue of the rear center lap belt and ensure that the belt is pulled tight. To install a child safety seat using a tether strap in the back seat: 1. Install the child safety seat in the rear right, left or center seat position. For instructions on how to install the seat, refer to Installing child safety seats in lap belt seating positions in this chapter. † Sedan

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Seating and safety restraints † Wagon 2. Refer to the instructions provided with the tether anchor kit. 3. Refer to the instructions provided with your child safety seat to securely attach the child safety seat by tether to the tether strap anchor location.

Failure to follow these precautions could increase

the risk and / or severity of injury in a collision.

BUILT-IN CHILD SEAT (IF EQUIPPED) The rear seat may include a built-in child seat. This child seat conforms to all federal and Canadian motor vehicle safety standards. Read the labels located on the child seat cushion and the shoulder belt for information on the built-in child seat. Use the built-in child seat only under the following conditions: At least one year old

10-27 kg (22-60 lb)

Children not meeting these requirements should be secured in an approved aftermarket child seat. Refer to Children and infant or child safety seats in this chapter.

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Shoulders must be below the shoulder harness slots on the built-in child seat

Seating and safety restraints

Regularly inspect the lap and shoulder belt system of your child seat. If there is any damage to the system or if it is not functioning properly, see your dealer.

Placing your child in the built-in child seat

Failure to follow all of the instructions on the use of

this child restraint system can result in your child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden stop or crash.

Never use the built-in child seat as a booster cushion with the adult safety belts. A child using the adult belts could slide forward and out from under the safety belts.

The rear seatback must be fully locked before

operating the child restraint system.

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Ensure that the latch release buttons are in the full up (locked) position. When the latch release buttons are in full up (locked) position and the built-in child seat is open, the rear seatback cannot be unlocked or folded down.

1. Pull down the top portion of the child seat.

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2. Release the cushion retention clip.

3. Lower the child seat cushion. If the child seat cannot be opened, return it to the dealer for repair.

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4. Fold the end portion of the child seat under the child seat cushion.

5. Disconnect the chest clip, if connected. Squeeze together the release tabs on the top and bottom of the chest clip.

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6. Place the child in the seat and position the shoulder belts.

7. Insert the left safety belt tongue into the left side of the buckle. Repeat for the right side. Verify that the indicator window on each tongue is green to ensure proper safety belt connections.

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If both tongues do not latch in the buckle, do not

use the child seat. See your dealer for repairs.

8. Fasten the left and right chest clip halves together to hold the shoulder belts in place comfortably on the child’s shoulders. Verify that the indicator window on the chest clip is green to ensure a proper chest clip connection. † When either of the tongues or the chest clip is unbuckled, the red color appears in the window.

† The chest clip is designed to pull apart easily in the event of collision. The clip helps keep the belts on the shoulders of a squirming or sleeping child.

9. Pull on the safety belt tongues to ensure they are both securely latched. If they are not latched, repeat steps seven and eight. If necessary, the shoulder belts can be put in the automatic lock mode to limit the child’s movement in the child seat. The mode may be used if the child is sleeping or attempting to get out of the child seat. If not placed in an automatic locking mode, the child seat shoulder belts are in the vehicle sensitive (emergency locking) mode which locks the shoulder belt in the event of a crash, hard braking, or hard cornering.

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Activatingtheautomaticlocking modeonthebuilt-inchildseat 1. Fully pull out both shoulder belts. 2. Allow the belts to tighten snugly against the child’s shoulders. Cancelingtheautomaticlocking modeonthebuilt-inchildseat 1. Disconnect the chest clip. Press the buckle release button and remove both safety belt tongues from the buckle. 2. Slide both shoulder belts from the child’s shoulders and arm and allow them to retract fully.

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Removing your child from the built-in child seat 1. Disconnect the chest clip by squeezing the release tabs together and pulling the two sides apart.

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2. Press the release button on the buckle. 3. Slide the shoulder belts off the child’s shoulders and remove the child. 4. Return the child seat cushion to the stowed (upright) position. 5. Ensure the shoulder belts are in the center of the built-in child seatback and connect the cushion retention clip. 6. Fold the child seat into the seatback and tuck the top of the child seat under the rear seat flap. 7. Press firmly on the center of the built-in child seat to ensure it is stowed properly. When not in use, the built-in child seat can be stowed so that the rear center seat position may be used or the rear seatback can be folded down.

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Inspecting the built-in child seat after a collision

All built-in child restraints, including seats, buckles,

retractors, seat latches, interlocks, and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified Dealer technician after any collision. If the child seat was in use during a collision, Ford recommends replacing it. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the child restraints do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Built-in child seats not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

For information on cleaning your built-in child seat, refer to Cleaning the built-in child seat in the Maintenance and care section.

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A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than when the engine is warm. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten minutes.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce

very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other

enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. For more information and instructions, refer to Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter.

Starting

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Starting

PREPARING TO START THE VEHICLE Engine starting is controlled by the spark ignition system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter. 2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

OFF

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle:

† Make sure the parking brake

is set.

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If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle:

† make sure that the gearshift is

in P.

Starting

If starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle: † push the clutch pedal to the

floor.

† place the gearshift in the

neutral position.

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Starting

4. Turn the key to the ON position (without turning the key to START). Make sure the following lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.

If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the illuminate.

light does not

ACC(cid:13)

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ON(cid:13) II

III

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STARTING THE VEHICLE After completing the steps under Preparing to start the vehicle: 1. Turn the key to START and release. Do not press the accelerator. † The key will return to the ON

position.

2. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking brake.

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ACC

ON II

III

Special conditions when starting Startingacoldengine At temperatures -12°C (10°F) and below, do not hold the key in the START position longer than 15
seconds. If the engine does not start on the first attempt: 1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and wait approximately ten seconds. 2. Try starting the engine again. At temperatures above -12°C (10°F), do not hold the key in the START position longer than five seconds. If the engine does not start on the first attempt: 1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and wait approximately five seconds. 2. Try starting the engine again. Startingawarmengine Do not hold the key in the START position longer than five seconds. If the engine does not start on the first attempt: 1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and wait a few seconds until the starter stops. 2. Try starting the engine again. Startingtheengineaftertwo failedattempts If the engine does not start after two attempts: 1. Turn the key to LOCK and wait about two minutes.

Starting

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Starting

2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold. 3. Turn the key to START. Release it once the engine starts. 4. Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up. If the engine still does not start, refer to Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped) Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures consistently reach -29°C (-20°F) or below during the winter months. An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost system to respond quickly. If your vehicle is equipped with an engine block heater, use it whenever the temperature is -23°C (-10°F) or below. To turn the heater on, plug it into a grounded 110-volt outlet. It is recommended that you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not damage the engine, so you can

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plug it in at night to start the vehicle the next morning.

Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical

systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be injured by an electrical shock if you use an ungrounded connection.

GUARDING AGAINST EXHAUST FUMES Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever: † the vehicle is raised for service † the sound of the exhaust system † the vehicle has been damaged in

changes

a collision

Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

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Starting

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (1 in). Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.

*If equipped with air conditioning

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(cid:13) BRAKES

Power-assisted brakes Apply the brake pedal gradually to avoid locking up the wheels. The brakes will adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings wear down. Utilize these strategies for maximum braking performance: † If driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do not apply the brakes continuously. Continuously applying the brakes on a hill could overheat them and make them less effective. † Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops is normal. Significantly increased squeal is an indicator that brake service is needed. † Apply the brakes gently several times after driving through standing water or washing your vehicle to dry them.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Apply ABS brakes steadily. Do not pump the brakes in a panic stop. The brake system will prevent wheel lockup by automatically releasing and reapplying the brakes. Even with ABS, the brakes could lock up on roads with alternating slippery and dry patches or with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel. Be careful when braking.

Driving

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Driving

The ABS brake system conducts a self-test each time the vehicle is driven. A mechanical noise may be heard while the system conducts its self-test. ABSwarninglight The ABS light in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated if an ABS fault is detected. Have your vehicle serviced by a qualified service technician as soon as possible. Normal braking operation is still BRAKE light is effective unless the P also illuminated.

Parking brake The parking brake should be used whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake: The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be set to stop the vehicle. The vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and vehicle steering response will be limited. When the ignition is turned to ON, BRAKE light in the instrument the P cluster illuminates and remains illuminated until the parking brake is released.

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If the parking brake is fully released but the

BRAKE warning light remains on, have the brakes checked immediately. They may not be working properly.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

that the gearshift is securely latched in P (automatic transaxle) or first gear (manual transaxle).

To release the parking brake: † While pressing the release

button, pull the handle upward to release the brake. † Push handle downward to the

off position.

Driving

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Driving

TRANSAXLES

Automatic The normal driving position for the automatic transaxle is the D position.

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To move the automatic transaxle gearshift:

P — Park R — Reverse N — Neutral D — Overdrive: the normal driving position for best fuel economy D — Drive: more engine braking than D L — Low: more engine braking than D at speeds up to 60 km/h (38 mph)

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(cid:13) Hold the brake the pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from position to position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and cause injury.

Movingalockedgearshift Automatic transaxle vehicles are equipped with a shift-lock safety feature that prevents the gearshift from being moved out of P without the brake pedal depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift out of P with the brake pedal depressed: 1. Continue depressing the brake pedal, and remove the shift-lock override cap with a 2.5 cm (1
inch) or longer screwdriver. 2. Insert the screwdriver into the shift-lock override opening and push down.

Driving

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P

Driving

3. Push and hold the thumb button. 4. Move the gearshift. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is possible that a fuse has blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps may not be operating properly. For more information on fuses and fuse replacement, refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the

brakelamps are working.

If an automatic transaxle vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out of the spot. To rock the vehicle out, shift between forward and reverse gears in a steady rhythm. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes; this could damage the vehicle.

Do not spin the wheels at over 55 km/h (35 mph). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

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Manual To move the manual transaxle gearshift: † Depress the brake pedal and † Move the gearshift to the

then the clutch.

selected gear.

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into R. Shift through the neutral position (in the center) before moving the gearshift into R. If R is not engaged, move the gearshift lever back to the neutral position, release the clutch, and try again.

Driving

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RESET

SET(cid:13) ACC

SET

AM(cid:13) FM

SCAN

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SEEK(cid:13) TUNE

TUNE(cid:13) DISCS(cid:13)

VOL–(cid:13) PUSH ON

TAPE(cid:13) CD

REW

FF

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(cid:13) Driving

Upshifting For normal acceleration: Upshift from... 1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
For cruising: Upshift from... 1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5

At the following speed: 22 km/h (14 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 58 km/h (36 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)

At the following speed: 18 km/h (11 mph) 35 km/h (22 mph) 51 km/h (32 mph) 66 km/h (41 mph)

Upshiftlight(ifequipped) The light in the instrument cluster illuminates to indicate when to shift for the best fuel economy. The vehicle will not be harmed if the transaxle is not shifted when the light illuminates, but the vehicle will use more fuel. light can be ignored when The you are: † downshifting † driving on steep hills † using the engine to brake the † seeking more power for a

vehicle

difficult acceleration To maximize gearshift performance:

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† Do not drive with your foot

resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch pedal to hold the vehicle at a standstill. These actions will reduce clutch life. † Downshift on steep hills to

reduce the vehicle’s chances of stalling and to prevent unnecessary brake wear.

LOADING YOUR VEHICLE Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with these terms: † Base curb weight — weight of

the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment.

† Payload — combined maximum

allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment.

† GVW (Gross vehicle weight)

— base curb weight plus the payload weight (including passengers, cargo and optional equipment). Remember, the GVW is not a limit or a specification.

† GVWR (Gross vehicle weight

rating) — maximum total weight of the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment, and cargo. The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.

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Driving † GAWR (Gross axle weight rating) — carrying capacity for each axle system (front and rear). This amount is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar. Payload = Gross vehicle weight

rating - Base curb weight

To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. (Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.)

If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety

Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged or you may lose control and cause injury.

Trailer towing Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1000 lb) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lb). The trailer should have 18.6 m2 (20 ft2) or less frontal area. Do not exceed the maximum loads stated on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For load

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specification terms found on the label, refer to Loading your vehicle in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.

Preparingtotow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance. Auxiliary coolers are recommended for the power steering system and automatic transaxle system (if equipped ) if you are planning on: † traveling farther than 80 km (50
† towing in hilly terrain. † towing frequently. Usingahitch Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load carrying hitch. Distribute the load so that only 10
to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Tie down the load so that it does not shift

miles).

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Driving

and change the weight on the hitch. Usingtrailerbrakes Use electric brakes or manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic brakes that meet federal and local regulations. Install and adjust the brakes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system

directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

Usingsafetychains Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach to the vehicle frame or hook retainers (not the bumper). Make sure there is enough slack to allow the vehicle to turn corners. Usingtrailerlamps See your local trailer dealer or rental agency for the proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Do not hook the trailer lights directly into the vehicle’s lighting system wiring. If the trailer lamps are not installed properly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may not work properly.

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Driving

Drivingwhiletowingatrailer Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) while towing a 454 kg (1000 lb) trailer. Do not drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with any weight trailer while towing in hilly country or on hot days. Speed control (if equipped) may not work properly while towing on very long, steep grades. If driving with an automatic transaxle: † use D or L rather than

D while towing up or down steep hills.

† anticipate stops and brake

gradually.

or excessive engine speed.

If driving with a manual transaxle: † select a gear that avoids jerking † avoid driving excessively in first or second gear. In first or second gear the trailer may be too big or too heavily loaded for the vehicle drivetrain.

† shift to a lower gear while † anticipate stops and brake

towing up or down steep hills.

gradually.

Servicingwhiletowing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle requires more frequent service than a vehicle not used for towing. Refer to the Service Guide for more information.

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Driving

Towing behind a recreational vehicle (RV) Do not tow your vehicle behind another vehicle, such as an RV, unless front wheel dollies are used.

Luggage rack (if equipped) Load luggage as far back as it will safely go on the rack without causing the vehicle to exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross axle weight rating (GAWR).

maintenance

FUEL CONSUMPTION Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding: † lack of regular, scheduled † excessive speed † rapid acceleration † driving with the brake pedal † sudden stops † extended engine idling † use of speed control in hilly † extended use of the air

depressed

terrain

conditioner, defroster, rear window defroster and other accessories † underinflated tires † heavy loads † aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.

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USING THE HAZARD SWITCH Use the hazard flashers to warn traffic of vehicle problems: † Slide the hazard switch to the

right to activate the hazard flashers.

† Slide the hazard switch to the left to deactivate the continuously blinking flashers.

RESETTING THE FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH The fuel pump shut-off switch stops the fuel pump when the vehicle has been involved in a collision or major jolt. If the vehicle does not start, it is possible that the fuel pump shut-off switch needs to be reset.

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try

to start your vehicle. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service.

To reset the fuel pump, press the button on the switch. The switch is located immediately below the hole in the trunk side trim.

Roadside emergencies

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Roadside emergencies † Sedan

† Wagon

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Roadside emergencies

15

15

1/2

FUEL FILL

50 60 70

40

80

100

120

60

30

20

40

20

0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

80

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140

100

160

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OFF

XXX

XXXX

MIRROR

RPM x 1000

O F FM I S T I N T

RESET

SET ACC

SET

AM(cid:13) FM

SCAN

EJ

SEEK(cid:13) TUNE

TUNE(cid:13) DISCS(cid:13)

VOL–(cid:13) PUSH ON

TAPE(cid:13) CD

REW